Viola sempervirens (evergreen violet)
We are blessed with many native violets in the Pacific Northwest–blue, white and yellow flowered. My hands down favorite is the sweet, little yellow violet with evergreen foliage. When it comes into bloom it’s a charming sight. So diminutive and plain-clothed in it’s greenery, you don’t notice even a sizable colony until it breaks into flower at the end of March, early April. All year round its there, evading the eye and the weed whip. The tiny but leathery foliage hugs the ground tightly on this roadside in Port Orchard, WA. But look at it now: pure, unadulterated spring cheer!
Don’t forget that April 24-30th, 2016 is Native Plant Appreciation Week–go out an appreciate a plant near you!
©Colleen Miko, 2016.
